The Gentleman With the Golden Voice: The Inspising Journey of Praiz

Praiz

In the quiet moments before sunrise, when the world is still and the air carries a soft chill, there is a kind of music that feels like prayer. Smooth. Intentional. Emotional. That is the kind of music Praiz was born to create.

Before the bright lights, before the tailored suits, before the sold out shows and award nominations, there was a young boy named Praise Ugbede Adejo growing up in Nigeria with a voice that refused to stay hidden.

Born on March 8, 1984, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, Praiz did not grow up in the glamorous world of entertainment. His childhood was rooted in modest beginnings, strong family values, and a deep connection to faith and music.

Growing Up in Kaduna

Kaduna is a city with cultural diversity, strong traditions, and a history shaped by both struggle and unity. It was here that young Praise spent his early years.

He was raised in a Christian household where church was not optional. Sundays meant choir rehearsals, worship sessions, and harmonies filling the sanctuary. It was in church that his voice first found structure.

Unlike many children who shy away from attention, Praise enjoyed singing publicly. But he did not yet see music as a career. It was simply part of life.

His family valued education strongly. Like many Nigerian parents, they believed in secure professions. Doctor. Lawyer. Engineer. Music was beautiful but uncertain.

Still, something about singing felt natural to him.

Early Education and Relocation

As a child, Praiz attended primary and secondary school in Kaduna. He was known as calm, respectful, and focused. But those who paid attention noticed something else. Whenever there was a school event, Praise was ready to sing.

He later moved to Abuja for higher education and attended Kaduna Polytechnic where he studied Computer Science. The choice reflected practicality. Technology promised stability.

Yet, while studying programming and systems, his heart remained tuned to melodies.

Abuja exposed him to a wider social circle. University life brought talent shows, open mic nights, and informal performances. The more he performed, the clearer it became that music was not just a hobby.

Discovering His Sound

Praiz’s voice stood out early. It was smooth, controlled, and rich in emotion. Unlike the dominant street hop sound of the time, his style leaned toward R and B and soul.

He was influenced by international artists known for vocal depth and romantic expression. He studied vocal runs. He practiced breath control. He refined his tone.

But pursuing R and B in Nigeria during the mid 2000s was not easy. Afrobeats and hip hop were dominating the mainstream space. Smooth soul music had a smaller audience.

That did not stop him.

The Project Fame Breakthrough

In 2008, Praiz auditioned for the music reality show Project Fame West Africa. The show was a platform designed to discover raw talent across West Africa.

For Praiz, it was a leap of faith.

He walked into auditions not knowing how far he would go. But once he began singing, it became clear that he possessed something special.

Throughout the competition, he impressed judges and viewers with his vocal ability and composure. He finished as second runner up in the season. Though he did not win, the exposure changed his life.

Sometimes, visibility matters more than the trophy.

Project Fame gave him credibility. It introduced his voice to millions.

The Slow Build After Reality TV

Many reality show contestants fade quickly after the spotlight dims. Praiz chose a different path.

Instead of rushing to release random singles, he focused on building a solid brand. He recorded carefully. He refined his sound. He worked with producers who understood his vision.

His breakout single “Rich and Famous” in 2011 began to circulate widely. The song showcased his smooth vocal delivery and aspirational lyrics.

Then came “Sisi.” That track became a major hit. It dominated radio stations and clubs. Its romantic message and catchy rhythm struck a chord with listeners.

Suddenly, Praiz was no longer just a reality show contestant. He was a respected artist.

Becoming the R and B Gentleman

At a time when flashy lifestyles and aggressive street anthems dominated Nigerian music, Praiz carved a niche as the refined romantic.

He often appeared in suits. His image was polished. His lyrics focused on love, commitment, admiration, and emotional connection.

He was different.

While others shouted, he crooned.

His debut album Rich and Famous released in 2014 featured collaborations with notable artists including Awilo Longomba and Bez.

The album cemented his identity as one of Nigeria’s leading R and B voices.

Musical Depth and Experimentation

Praiz did not confine himself to pure R and B. Over time, he experimented with Afrobeats, highlife influences, and even international collaborations.

He released projects like 2 Minutes and To the Moon, each showcasing growth and versatility.

He collaborated with artists such as Waje, Cobhams Asuquo, and MI Abaga.

These collaborations expanded his sound and audience.

Awards and Recognition

Praiz’s talent did not go unnoticed. He earned nominations at major award ceremonies including The Headies and Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

His consistency and vocal strength positioned him as one of the most technically gifted singers in Nigeria.

Though he may not always dominate headlines like more controversial stars, his respect within the industry remains strong.

Personality and Public Image

Praiz carries himself with calm confidence. He speaks thoughtfully in interviews. He rarely engages in public drama.

His brand reflects maturity and focus.

He has often emphasized hard work, discipline, and patience. In an industry that moves fast and rewards hype, Praiz represents steady growth.

Challenges in a Changing Industry

The Nigerian music industry evolved rapidly through the 2010s. Afrobeats gained international recognition. Streaming platforms changed distribution. Trends shifted quickly.

For an R and B artist, maintaining relevance required adaptability.

Praiz responded by blending styles. He infused Afrobeats rhythms into his sound while maintaining his vocal identity.

He understood that survival in music requires evolution.

International Reach

Praiz has performed internationally and collaborated across borders. As Nigerian music expanded globally through artists like Wizkid and Davido, doors opened for diverse sounds.

Praiz’s smooth style positioned him well for international audiences who appreciate soulful vocals.

His music resonates especially with listeners who crave emotional depth.

The Romantic Storyteller

At the heart of Praiz’s artistry is storytelling.

He sings about love not as fantasy but as experience. His lyrics often reflect longing, admiration, heartbreak, and devotion.

In a society where vulnerability in men is sometimes discouraged, Praiz embraces emotional openness.

That authenticity is part of his appeal.

Staying Grounded

Despite years in the industry, Praiz remains grounded. He often credits his upbringing and faith for keeping him centered.

He understands that fame can be temporary but character is lasting.

His journey reflects patience. He did not explode overnight into superstardom. He built slowly, carefully, intentionally.

Influence on Nigerian R and B

Praiz belongs to a generation that preserved R and B within Nigerian music. Alongside artists like Banky W, he helped sustain a lane for soulful expression.

Younger artists who blend Afrobeats with R and B benefit from foundations laid by singers like him.

Legacy in Progress

Praiz’s story is not about loud controversy or dramatic headlines. It is about refinement.

From a church choir boy in Kaduna to a respected R and B figure in Nigeria, his journey reflects dedication.

He chose melody over noise. Patience over rush. Craft over chaos.

And in doing so, he built a career defined by quality.

As the Nigerian music industry continues evolving, Praiz stands as a reminder that smooth voices still matter. Emotion still matters. Story still matters.

His journey proves that sometimes the strongest impact is made not by shouting the loudest but by singing with intention.